Retooled or not, Wolves still favored

FOOTBALLLoaded with new faces, Westside gets shot to show program's growth

JEFF JENKINS, Chronicle Correspondent

Published 5:30 am, Thursday, September 1, 2005

Westside football coach Bill Wilson graduated the most talented senior class in the school's history and lost both of his coordinators during the off-season.

Nine months after claiming the school's first-ever District 21-5A title, Wilson's Wolves are truly starting over. But Wilson, entering his sixth year at the helm, isn't exactly dreading the 2005 season.

"If it's possible, I'm probably even more excited than last year," said Wilson, whose squad finished 11-1 in 2004. "We're bringing in a brand new team. I look at it as an opportunity to show how far we've come as a program."

Despite welcoming back only a handful of starters, Westside is expected to advance to the Class 5A playoffs for the third straight year. The Wolves, 21-3 the past two seasons, also hope to hold off Lamar and the rest of District 21-5A to defend their league title.

When Westside kicks off the year at Texas City at 7 p.m. Friday, the Wolves will be without familiar names like R.J. Jackson (LSU), Marcus Jackson (Texas Christian), T.J. Minor (Oklahoma State) and Kyle Wilson (Texas Lutheran).

But Wilson also had to make a few tweaks to his coaching staff. Wilson hired Randy Dennis as his new defensive coordinator after Chris Brister left for Cypress Falls. He also elevated James Whitmore from receivers coach to offensive coordinator with Curtis Neill's departure to Langham Creek.

"We had some holes in our coaching staff, but we filled them with capable people," Wilson said. "It takes great coaching to bring out the best in your players. We have one of the finest groups of coaches around."

Whitmore has the challenge of retooling an offense in need of a complete overhaul. Westside graduated its starting quarterback, running back and most of its receivers and offensive line.

At quarterback, the Wolves must identify a starter to take over for all-district quarterback Marcus Jackson. Michael Goodnight, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound sophomore, is the top candidate after leading the freshmen team a year ago.

Whitmore said Goodnight, a member of Westside's district championship baseball team last year, has made a mostly comfortable transition to the varsity.

"I think playing baseball has helped Michael," Whitmore said. "Michael knows what it's like to compete in front of a big crowd with the game on the line. He's not going to be easily intimidated."

And it doesn't hurt that Goodnight combines size with a strong arm.

"Michael's a good athlete and can throw the ball well," Whitmore said. "He's also an intelligent kid."

Also expected to take a few snaps is sophomore Michael Smith (5-10,160).

Westside also will fill the shoes of all-purpose player R.J. Jackson, last year's Houston Chronicle Player of the Year. Jackson starred at running back, receiver and free safety.

"I don't know if you can replace a legend like R.J., but we'll try our best," Wilson said.

Senior Terrance Wright (5-9, 185), a three-year letter-winner, is the top candidate at running back. Also in the mix are seniors Cordero Gordon (5-10, 190) and Larry Taylor (5-11, 185) and junior Semaj Washington (5-7, 170).

"Right now, Terrance is our No. 1 guy, but the others will get plenty of playing time," Wilson said.

The offensive line features only one returning starter in senior David Barker (6-2, 270) at left tackle. The rest of the unit includes junior John Nguyen (5-10, 250) at left guard, senior Billy Humphries (5-11, 240) at center, senior Terrance Manning (6-3, 270) at right guard and junior G.T. Mangum (5-10, 260) at right tackle.

Defensively, the Wolves have only a couple of holdovers, but Dennis seems unfazed.

"We have about two or three starters coming back, but our underclassmen are outstanding," Dennis said. "Our junior varsity won district last year, so we have quality kids moving up to the varsity."

The headliner on defense is senior Jeff Edwards (6-2, 227) at inside linebacker. Edwards, a Division I prospect, is a three-year starter and all-district player.

"Jeff is the type of player who will run through a wall," Dennis said. "He runs well, he's physical and he makes plays. Jeff will go off to college next year and be a great player."

The secondary features several new faces. Junior Reggie Hoskins (5-11, 180) is one of the cornerbacks along with either juniors Rashaun Davis (6-2, 190) and Jordan Johnson (6-1, 185). Sophomore Albert Fontenot (5-10, 175) and senior Andrew Williams (5-11, 190) are at free safety and strong safety, respectively.

Pelfrey and sophomore Jorge Rivas (5-6, 140) are the placekickers, while Goodnight will assume the punting duties.

Wilson said Westside, like many young teams, could be unpredictable, but he expects the Wolves to mature fast. Westside's pre-district slate — which includes road games at Texas City, Nimitz and Conroe — will make any squad grow up in a hurry.

"We probably have the toughest (non-district) schedule of any team in the Houston Independent School District," Wilson said. "But this is exactly what we need. As young as we are, we've got to find out who we are."